TOS Crew Review: America’s Math Teacher

Rick Fisher holds a B.A. in mathematics and is a math instructor for the Oak Grove School District in San Jose, California.  He is also the developer of America’s Math Teacher (AMT), an on-line mathematics intruction program covering basic math (for fourth and fifth graders) through Algebra 1, with Algebra 2 coming soon.

America’s Math Teacher offers instruction in Basic Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Pre-Algebra, and Algebra I.  Each program is divided into units made up of a number of brief video tutorials.  The Basic Mathematics program, for example, covers whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, integers, geometry, charts and graphs, probability, and much more.  Each video tutorial presents a 5-10 minute lesson which is then followed by a paper and pencil activity that can be downloaded from the website. 

The printed exercises are corrected and graded by the homsechool teacher or parent.  On-line quizzes and exams are also available.  These are timed and corrected as the student progresses.  Lessons may be rewatched, repeated, and reviewed as many times as needed.

One of our favorite on-line activities at America’s Math Teacher was the speed drill.  Speed drills are available for addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts.  Racing to beat personal best time and accuracy scores might just encourage your child to practice those elusive mathematics facts for far longer than you ever thought possible, without nagging or pleading! 

I was extremely impressed by the organization and presentation of the America’s Math Teacher Basic Mathematics program.  The videos are simple, no-frills productions:  just the student watching an on-line white board and listening to Mr. Fisher present the material, but in my opinion, this is the way it should be with mathematics instruction: focus on the basics, learn the principles, and apply what you’ve learned.    Little things, like hearing the marker squeak on  the white board, give the student the impression of sitting in a classroom, listening to the mathematics instructor.  

Site access for homeschools is $195.00 per family per year.  This subscription gives one family access to all materials for all program levels on the site for a full year.  The price would be a bargain for a family with several children in the math classes covered by this program.  Unfortunately, for our family with only one child old enough to benefit from the math instruction provided, the cost is considerably more than what we are currently paying for our paper and pencil math program and is, at this time, cost prohibitive.  I will, however, certainly keep the America’s Math Tutor program in mind when a few years down the road, we have two boys in higher level mathematics, particularly since mathematics is their favorite subject and my least favorite subject.  I see them both surpassing my mathematics-instruction comfort level before long.  In fact, I am sincerely hoping, Mr. Fisher continues on to add programs in Calculus and Trigonometry!

But don’t take my word for it, check out the FREE samples of America’s Math Teacher video lessons, the FREE samples of the printed exercises, and the FREE trial of the speed drills for yourself… and be sure to let me know what you think!